The Future of Consumerist

Over the last twelve years, Consumerist has been a steadfast proponent and voice on behalf of consumers, from exposing shady practices by secretive cable companies to pushing for action against dodgy payday lenders. Now, we’re joining forces with Consumer Reports, our parent organization, to cultivate the next generation of consumer advocacy.

Stay tuned as Consumerist’s current and future content finds its home as a part of the Consumer Reports brand. In the meantime, you can access existing Consumerist content below, and we encourage you to visit Consumer Reports to read the latest consumer news.

The bankruptcy judge has set an Oct. 25 hearing on this plan, The Wall Street Journal reports. It only nominally saves the company, and depends on lawsuits against former retail partner Sprint to make up the rest of the money due to its creditors.

Standard General, the hedge fund that put together the 2015 deal to save the RadioShack brand, will continue to own the retail operation (while it still exists), act as a wholesaler of RadioShack brands and other electronics to dealer/franchisees, and run the website. In return, the company will take $5 million of the chain’s secured debt.

The franchisees are fine

Dealer-franchisees, at least, are excited about the new business model. The first new store to open since the bankruptcy, in Baraboo, WI, was an existing locally-owned electronics store that took over the area’s franchisee license when the previous Shack closed.

“Radio Shack will work in almost any small town,” the owner told the Baraboo News Republic. “People want service.”

Providing competent repair services is part of the business models of both old and new franchisees.